Bioinventory of Akagera National Park (2022)

Overview

For the purpose of shaping wildlife reintroductions in Africa's national parks, park managers are interested in keystone species and ecological processes that shaped communities before human influence. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding can enhance the success of rewilding efforts in Rwanda Akagera National Park (ANP). ANP lacks mammalian diversity, such as the cheetah (Acinonyx jabatus), Zorilla (Lctonyx striatus), and the East African Potto (Perodicticus ibeanus). However, these mammals live in savanna habitats only 100km away, such as Seregenti, and it is unclear whether these absences are natural (e.g. unsuitable habitat) or solely human-caused (removal). This project aims to provide a framework for eDNA metabarcoding to provide current and historical trends for mammals in the park. In 2022, 15 scientists from Rwanda, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire collected soil, sediment, and water samples from Rwanda Akagera National Park. Samples were extracted by these scientists at a workshop at the University of Rwanda, processed by Jada Omwuta and Janvier Uwayezu for 7 metabarcodes at the University of California Santa Cruz, and analyzed via the eDNA Explorer. Publications, sequence data, and archival results will be open access. The samples themselves are available for future research. Contact Beth Kaplin at the University of Rwanda to request samples.

• Last Updated

  02/06/2026

  Project Timeline

  06/16/2022 - 06/21/2022

• Contributors

  Roël D. Houdanon, Rachel Meyer, Jada Onwuta, Philippe sanzira Munyandamutsa, Marie Fidele Tuyisenge, SEU-ANOI NETTO MIREILLE, Beth Kaplin, Antoine Nsabimana, Janvier Uwayezu, Drew Bantlin, Diane Umutoni , Jean Claude Twahirwa, Marie Rose Umuhoza, Alphonse Nzarora, Methode Majyambere, Jean Claude Tumushime, Leonce Ngirinshuti, Amiable Ndungutse, Chloé Orland, UWAYEZU Janvier, Ren Larison, Richard Muvunyi, Beth Kaplin, Theodore NSHIMIYUMUREMYI